Variable thickness yoga mat

ABSTRACT

A mat for yoga that has a variable thickness with a first layer that is rectangular in shape, a second layer that is rectangular in shape and similarly sized to the first layer, and at least one middle layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer which, when layered, will give the mat a variable thickness. In other examples, the mat may have a first top surface, a second bottom surface opposite the top surface, a first end with a thickness, a second end with a thickness opposite the first end, and a thickness as measured from the first top surface to the second bottom surface, where the thickness is variable om the first end to the second end.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to exercise mats. In particular, yoga mats with a variable thickness to provide a user with extra padding in specific areas for different exercises and stretches are described.

Yoga can be an invigorating and beneficial form of exercise that can be done in a home, office, or studio. To increase comfort, most people will use a yoga mat while exercising that they can sit and stand on. This mat adds a padded layer between a person and the floor, protecting their hands, feet, and joints. it also provides a non-slip surface to reduce the risk of slipping while stretching or exercising. However, known yoga mats are not entirely satisfactory for the range of applications in which they are employed, For example, existing yoga mats only provide a single thickness throughout the mat, limiting the versatility and usefulness of the mat. With an ever expanding yoga demographic, many older people practicing yoga need extra padding in certain areas when in certain poses. When any user may need extra padding, they often times fold their mat to double the thickness and provide extra cushioning for their knees or elbows, but this limits the mat's coverage and may even damage the mat. Alternatively, they may use a folded towel or blanket with the mat to achieve the desired cushion. The last option is to always use a thicker mat, but the thicker mat is heavier and harder to roll up, making transportation difficult. In addition to potentially damaging the mat, making these changes to the mat also disrupts the flow of the exercise.

Thus, there exists a need for yoga mats that improve upon and advance the design of known yoga mats. Examples of new and useful yoga mats relevant to the needs existing in the field are discussed below.

The present disclosure is directed to a mat for yoga, and other mat-based exercises that has a variable thickness with a first layer that is rectangular in shape, a second layer that is rectangular in shape and similarly sized to the first layer, and at least one middle layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer. The middle layer may be smaller than the first layer and the second layer which, when layered, will give the mat a variable thickness. The mat may have a first end having a thickness, a second end opposite the first end having a thickness, and a center section disposed between the first end and the second end having a thickness.

The center section includes the middle layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer giving the center section a greater thickness than that of the first end and the second end. This middle layer may be a single layer and have a rectangular shape. The middle layer may also have an area approximately one sixth to one half of the area of the first layer. Alternatively, the middle layer might have more than one individual layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer. These middle layers may be side by side, or stacked one on top of the other. These middle layers that create the thicker portions of the mat may be rounded, rectangular, circular, or oblong shape.

The mat may have the first layer, second layer, and the middle layer are made from an elastic, non-slip material. These layers may be adhered together using vulcanization, a process used to link together the polymer chains of the material. Once the layers are together, the mat may have a variable thickness in a range between one millimeter and thirty meters thick.

In other examples of the invention, the mat may have a first top surface, a second bottom surface opposite the top surf ace, a first end with a thickness, a second end with a thickness opposite the first end, and a thickness as measured from the first top surface to the second bottom surface, where the thickness is variable from the first end to the second end. In some other examples of the invention, the thickness of the first end and of the second end is greater than the thickness of the center section. Still in other examples, the thickness alternates between a thicker portion and a thinner portion at least one time from the first end to the second end. One example of this might be when the center section is the same as the thickness of the first end and of the second end, and the thickness between the first end and the center section and the thickness between the center section and the second end is less than the thickness of the first end, the second end, and the center section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a top view of a first example of a yoga, mat with a variable thickness.

FIG. 1B is a cross-section view of the mat shown in FIG. 1 depicting layers of the mat to provide a variable thickness.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a second example of a yoga mat with a variable thickness where the center of the mat includes more than one rounded area with added thickness.

FIG. 3 is a top view of another example of a yoga mat with a variable thickness where the center of he mat includes one rectangular area with added thickness extending to the edge of the mat.

FIG. 4 is a top view of another example of a yoga mat with a variable thickness where the center of the nat includes one area of an irregular shape with added thickness.

FIG. 5 is a top view of another example of a yoga mat with a variable thickness where the center of the mat includes one rounded, circular, or oblong area with added thickness.

FIG. 6 is a top vim of another example of a yoga mat with a variable thickness where the center of the gnat and each end of the gnat includes an area with added thickness.

FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of another example of a yoga neat with a variable thickness where the mat dudes two layers.

FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of another example of a yoga mat with a variable thickness where the mat includes one layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed yoga mats will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of theinventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description.

Throughout the following detailed description, examples of various yoga mats are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar,or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example.

With reference to FIGS. 1A-1B, a first example of a yoga mat with a variable thickness, mat 100, will now be described. Mat 100 functions to provide a variable thickness along different areas of the mat to provide extra padding and protection in certain areas. The reader will appreciate from the figures and description below that mat 100 addresses shortcomings of conventional yoga mats.

For example, mat 100 offers more cushion in selected areas and less in others, providing a user with focused protection and padding where needed. This variable thickness mat allows the user to enjoy added cushion without the use of additional props or without folding their mat. This will reduce damage to the mat that occurs when folding it or adding props. Additionally, because a user doesn't need to pause exercising to add cushioning,they can easily maintain the flow of their exercise without sacrificing comfort or safety. Mat 100 is also easily transportable. Because of the variable thickness, the mat 100 can provide comfort and thickness in certain areas while remaining thin in others, reducing weight making it easier to rull up and transport.

Turning to FIG. 1A, mat 100 may gene rally be an elongated shape and flat when viewed from a side angle. In this example embodiment, mat 100 may be an elongated rectangular shape whichis generally flat and include a first end 102 at one end of the elongated rectangular shape, and a second end 104 at an opposite of the elongated rectangular shape of the mat 100. Located in a portion between the first end 102 and the second end 104 may be a center section 106. In this example embodiment, the center section 106 may include a center thicker portion 108 that has a greater thickness than the surrounding mat at the first end 102 and the second end 104, giving the mat 100 a variable thickness. In other examples, the mat 100 may include one or more thicker portions located at various locations on the mat 100, including the center section 106 and the first end 102 and the second end 104.

As can be seen in FIG. 1A, the mat 100 may also include one or more edges that may define its shape. In this example embodiment, a first edge 110 and a second edge 112 opposite the edge 110 extend from the first end 102 to the second end 104. There is also a first end edge 114 at the first end 102 and a second end edge 116 at the second end 104. The first edge 110, second edge 112, first end edge 114, and second end edge 116 define the edges of the elongated rectangular shape of the r lat 100.

Still referring to FIG. 1A, the center thicker portion 108 may be located within the edges that define the shape of the mat 100. In this example embodiment, the center thicker portion 108 is located within tr elongated rectangular shape defined by the first edge 110, the second edge 112, the first end edge 114, and the second end edge 116 in a center section 106 of the mat 100. Additionally, in this example embodiment, the center thicker portion 108 is rectangular in shape with rounded corners. In other example embodiments, the center thicker portion may be any shape including circular, square, oblong, or any polygonal shape, and may also include more than one thicker portion.

Still in reference to FIG. 1A, the center thicker portion 108 may taper along its edges to gradually match the thickness of the surrounding mat. In this example embodiment, the center thicker portion 108 may also include sloped edges 118, where the thickness of the center thicker portion 108 tapers to match the thickness of the first end 102, the second end 104, or any of the surrounding edges. In this example embodiment, the sloped edges 118 surround the center thicker portion 108 to taper and match the thickness of the center thicker portion 108 to the surrounding thicknesses. In other example embodiments of the invention, the sloped edges 118 of the center thicker portion 108 may not be present on portions of the center thicker portion 108 where the center thicker portion 108 extends to an edge. Still in other example embodiments, the sloped edges 118 are not present at all, and the center thicker portion 118 does not taper to match the thickness of the surrounding mat.

Turning now to FIG. 1B, mat 100 may generally have a flat shape, where the thickness of the flat shape is variable from one end to the other end. The mat 100 may achieve a variable thickness by using one or more layers stacked together, and that may be adhered to one another, where the one or more layers are included in one portion of the mat and not another. Each of these one or more layers may be formed with their own layers which may be a rubber surface layer, a fabric mesh, and another rubber layer. The one or more layers may alternatively include any combination of rubber and mesh layers in any number and order. In this example embodiment, mat 100 may further include one or more layers of a first layer 120 that is rectangular in shape, a second layer 122 similarly sized to the first layer 120, and a middle layer 124 that is a smaller, rectangular shape than that of the first layer 120 or second layer 122 disposed between the first layer 120 and the second layer 122. The middle layer 124 may include an area that is approximately one sixth to one half of the area of the first layer 120 or the second layer 122. Each layer may be made of a similar or dissimilar elastic or rubber material that may be non-slip. In this example embodiment, the layers are made from a combination of a fabric mesh with a surface of natural rubber or other related polymer that is non slip. In alternative embodiments of the invention, there may be a single layer, where the single layer itself has a variable thickness where in some portions, the mat includes more material for that layer. In other embodiments of the invention, there may only be two layers, where one layer is smaller in size and shape than the other layer to create a mat with a variable thickness. Still in other embodiments of the invention, the middle layer may include two or more layers.

Still referring to FIG. 1B, the first layer 120 may further include a first top surface 126 that faces away from the other layers of the mat 100, and a first bottom surface 128 that faces towards the other layers of the mat 100. Similarly, the middle layer 124 may include a middle top surface 130 that faces towards the first layer 120, and a middle bottom surface 132 that faces towards the second layer 122. The first bottom sur ace 128 of the first layer 120 and the middle top surface 130 of the middle layer 124 may be adhered together using adhesives, fasteners, or a canization process where the natural rubber or related polymers of the layers are connected together through crosslinking the polymer chains. The first top surface 126 is left exposed to provide a non-slip surface so that a user may exercise, stretch, and rneditate without slipping while using the mat 100.

Still referring to FIG. 1B, the second layer 122 may further include a second top surface 134 that faces towards the other layers of the mat 100, and a second bottom surface 136 that faces away from the other layers of the mat 100. The second top surface 134 of the second layer 122 and the middle bottom surface 132 of the middle layer 124 may be adhered together using adhesives, fasteners, or a vulcanization process where the natural rubber or related polymers of the layers are connected together through crosslinking the polymer chains. The second bottom surface 136 is left exposed to provide a non-slip surface when the mat 100 is placed flat on a floor or other surface so that a user may exercise, stretch, and meditate without slipping while using the mat 100.

Still referring to FIG. 1B, the mat 100 may have a variable thickness across its width or length. In this example embodiment, the mat 100 may have a variable thickness as measured from the first top surface 126 to the second bottom surface 136 from one end of the mat to the other. In this example embodiment, to achieve a variable thickness, the middle layer 124 may not be included in the first end 102 or the second end 104. Instead, at the first end 102 and the second end 104, the first bottom surface 128 of the first layer 120 and the second top surface of the second layer 122 may be adhered together at a first end 102 or a second end 104 using adhesives, fasteners, or a vulcanization process where the natural rubber or related polymers of the layers are connected together through crosslinking the polymer chains. At the first end 102 and the second end 104, the middle layer 124 is not included in the layers, making the thickness of the mat, as measured from the first top surface 126 to the second bottom surface 136 less than in the center section 106. The mat 100 may have a thickness between a range of one millimeter and thirty millimeters thick.

Still referring to FIG. 1B in order to achievea smooth looking and visually appealing mat, a tapered edge may be desirable between the thicker portions of the mat and the thinner portions of the mat. In this example embodiment, mat 100 may include a sloped edge 118 that tapers from the center thicker portion 108 to the first end 102 and the second end 104. At the sloped edge 18, the taper may be achieved by compressing the middle layer 124 where a taper is needed. Alternatively, the middle layer 124 may be tapered at its edged so that the material does not need to compress to achieve a taper. In alternate embodiments of the invention, a sloped edge 118 is not desired, and instead, a squared edge is used.

Turning attention to FIG. 2, a second example of a yoga mat 200, will now be described. Mat 200 includes many similar or identical features to mat 100. Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of mat 200 will not be redundantly explained. Rather, key distinctions between mat 200 and mat 100 will be described in detail and the reader should refereference the discussion above for features substantially similar between the two mats. Mat 200 functions to provide a variable thickness along different areas of the mat to provide extra padding and protection in thicker areas. Mat 200 may generally an elongated shape and flat when viewed from a side angle. In this example embodiment, mat 200 may be an elongated rectangular shape which is generally flat and include a first end 202 at one end of the elongated rectangular shape, and a second end 204 at an opposite of the elongated rectangular shape of the mat 200. Located in a portion between the first end 202 and the second end 204 may be a center section 206. In this example embodiment, the center section 206 may include multiple center thicker portions 208 that each have a greater thickness than the surrounding mat at the first end 202 and the second end 204, giving the mat 200 a variable thickness.

As can be seen in. FIG. 2, the center thicker portions 208 may include one or more portions that have a greater thickness than the surrounding mat. In this example embodiment, the center thicker portions 208 include two areas where the mat 200 is thicker, providing more cushion or protection. The greater thickness of the center thicker portions 208 may be achieved by using one or more middle layers disposed between a first layer and a second layer. In this example embodiment, there are two middle layers, in a rounded or oblong shape, that are disposed between a first layer and a second layer to achieve the two center thicker portions 208. Additionally, this example embodiment, the center thicker portions are positioned next to each other such that they are across a width of the mat 200. In alternate embodiments, the center thicker portions 208 may be positioned next to each other such that they are across a length of the mat 200. Still in other alternate embodiments, the center thicker portions 208 may not be positioned next to each other, and may create an asymmetrical shape or design.

Now turning to FIG. 3, another example of a yoga mat, mat 300, will now be described. Flat 300 may generally be an elongated shape and fiat when viewed from a side angle, and include a first end 302 at one end of the elongated rectangular shape, and a second end 304 at an opposite of the elongated rectangular shape of the mat 300. Located in a portion between the first end 302 and the second end 304 may be a center section 306. In this example embodiment, the center section 306 may include a single, large center thicker portion 308 that may have a greater thickness than the surrounding mat at the first end 302 and the second end 304, giving the mat 300 a variable thickness.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the center thicker portion 308 may be located within edges that define the shape of the mat 300. In this example embodiment, the center thicker portion 108 is located within the elongated rectangular shape defined by a first edge 310, a second edge 312, a first end edge 314, and a second end edge 316 in a center section 306 of the mat 300. Additionally, in this example embodiment, center thicker portion 308 is rectangular in shape.

Still in reference to FIG. 3, the center thicker portion 308 may taper along one or more of its edges to gradually match the thickness of the surrounding mat this example embodiment, the center thicker portion 308 may also include sloped edges 318, where the thickness of the center thicker portion 308 tapers to match the thickness of the first end 302, the second end 304. However, in this example embodiment, the center thicker portion does not include a tapered edge on its edges near the first edge 310 or the second edge 312. In this example embodiment, the center thicker portion 308 extends to the first edge 310 and the second edge 312 such that the thickness is greater along the first edge 310 and the second edge 312 in the center section 306 than at the first end 302 or the second end 304.

Now turning to FIG. 4, another example of a yoga mat, mat 400, will now be described. Mat 400 may generally be an elongated hape and fiat when viewed from a side angle, and include a first end 402 at one end of the elongated rectangular shape, and a second end 404 at an opposite of the elongated rectangular shape of the mat 400. Located in a portion between the first end 402 and the second end 404 may be a center section 406. In this example embodiment, the center section 406 may include a single, large center thicker portion 408 that may have a greater thickness than the surrounding mat at the first end 402 and the second end 404, giving the mat 400 a variable thickness. In this example embodiment, the center thicker portion 408 may be an irregular shape to provide a user with selected areas where the mat may be thicker.

Now turning to FIG. 5, another example of a yoga mat, mat 500, will now be described. Mat 500 may generally be an elongated shape and flat when viewed from a side angle, and include a first end 502 at one en.d of the elongated rectangular shape, and a second end 504 at an opposite of the elongated rectangular shape of the mat 500. Located in a portion between the first end 502 and the second end 504 may be a center section 506. In this example embodiment, the center section 506 may include a single, large center thicker portion 508 that may have a greater thickness than the surrounding mat at the first end 502 and the second end 504, giving the mat 500 a variable thickness. In this example embodiment the center thicker portion 508 may be a single oblong or circular shape to provide a user with selected areas where the mat may be thicker.

Now turning to FIG. 6, another example of a yoga mat, mat 600, will now be described. Mat 600 may include a first end 602 at one end of the elongated rectangular shape, and a second end 604 at an opposite of the elongated rectangular shape of the mat 600. Located in a portion between the first end 602 and the second end 604 may a center section 606. In this example embodiment, the first end 602, the second end 604, and the center section 606 each may include a thicker portion 608 that may have a greater thickness than the surrounding mat. In this example embodiment, the three thicker portions 608 may be spaced apart from one another, such that there a portion that is thinner between each of the thicker portions 608. Surrounding each of the thicker portions 608 may be a sloped edge 618 where the thickness of the thicker portions 608 tapers to match the thickness of the surrounding mat. In other embodiments of the invention there may be more than three thicker portions, and they may extend to the edge of the mat.

Now turning to FIG. 7, another example of a yoga mat, mat 700, will now be described. Mat 700 may generally be an elongated shape and flat when viewed from a side angle, and include a first end 702 at one end of the elongated rectangular shape, and a second end 704 at an opposite of the elongated rectangular shape of the mat 700. Located in a portion between the first end 702 and the second end 704 may be a center section 706. In this example embodiment, the center section 706 may include a single, large center thicker portion 708 that may have a greater thickness than the surrounding mat at the first end 702 and the second end 704, giving the mat 700 a variable thickness.

Still referring to F tat 700 may achieve a variable thickness using one or more layers stacked and adhered to one another, where one or more of the layers are included in one portion and not another of the mat. In this example embodiment, mat 700 may further include a first layer 720 that is rectangular in shape, and a second layer 724 that is smaller than that of the first layer 720 sposed. on top of the first layer 720. By using two layers of dissimilar sizes, the mat 700 may achieve a variable thickness when measured from a first top surface 726 to a second bottom surface 736. In order to achieve a smooth looking and visually appealing mat, a tapered edge may be desirable between the thicker portions of the mat and the thinner portions of the mat. In this example embodiment, mat 700 may include a sloped edge 718 that tapers from the center thicker portion 708 to the first end 702 and the second end 704. At the sloped edge 718, the taper may be achieved by cutting or compressing the second layer 724 where a taper s needed.

Now turning to FIG. 8, another example of a yoga mat, mat 800, will now be described. Mat 800 may generally be an elongated hape and flat when viewed from a side angle, and include a first end 802 at one end of the elongated rectangular shape, and a second end 804 at an opposite of the elongated rectangular shape of the mat 800. Located in a portion between the first end 802 and the second end 804 may be a center section 806. In this example embodiment, the center section 806 may include a single, large center thicker portion 808 that may have a greater thickness than the surrounding mat at the first end 802 and the second end 804, giving the mat 800 a variable thickness. Mat 800 may achieve a variable thickness using one layer 820. In this example embodiment, mat 800 may achieve a variable thickness when measured from a first top surface 826 to a second bottom surface 836 by cutting, shaping, manufacturing, or compressing sections of the one layer 820 to create thinner and thicker areas of the mat 800.

The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrate(above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein. 

1. A mat for yoga, were the mat has a variable thickness, comprising: a first layer being rectangular in shape; a second layer being rectangular in shape and similarly sized to the first layer; and at least one middle layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer, the at least one middle layer being smaller than the first layer and the second layer, and giving the mat a variable thickness.
 2. The mat of claim 1, further comprising: a first end having a thickness; a second end opposite the first end having a thickness; and a center section disposed between the first end and the second end having a thickness, where the center section includes the at least one middle layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer, and where the thickness of the center section is more than the thickness of the first end and the second end.
 3. The mat of claim 1, wherein the at least one middle layer is a single layer and has a rectangular shape.
 4. The mat of claim 3, wherein the at least one middle layer has an area approximately one sixth to one half of the area of the first layer.
 5. The mat of claim 1, wherein the at least one middle layer is more than one individual layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer.
 6. The mat of claim 1, wherein the at least one middle layer has a rectangular, rounded rectangular, square, circular, or oblong shape.
 7. The mat of claim 1, wherein the first layer, second layer, and the at least one middle layer are made from an elastic, non-slip material.
 8. The mat of claim 1, wherein the first layer, the at least one middle layer, and the second layer are adhered together using vulcanization.
 9. The mat of claim 1, wherein the variable thickness includes a range between one meter and thirty millimeters thick.
 10. A mat for yoga, comprising: a first top surface; a second bottom surface opposite the top surface; a first end with a thickness; a second end with a thickness opposite the first end; and a thickness as measured from the first top surface to the second bottom surface, where the thickness is variable from the first end to the second end.
 11. The mat of claim 10, further comprising: a center section disposed between the first end and the second end, where the thickness of the center section is greater than the thickness of the first end and of the second end.
 12. The mat of claim 11, wherein the center section is between one sixth and one half a total surface area of the first top surface.
 13. The mat of claim 11, wherein the center section has a rectangular, rounded rectangular, square, circular, or oblong shape.
 14. The mat of claim 10, further comprising: a center section disposed between the first end and the second end, where the center section includes two or more areas where the thickness of the center section is greater than the thickness of the first end and of the second end.
 15. The mat of claim 10, wherein the mat is made from an elastic, non-slip material.
 16. The mat of claim 15, wherein the mat is adhered together using vulcanization.
 17. The mat of claim 10, wherein the thickness includes a range between one millimeter and thirty millimeters thick.
 18. The mat of claim 10, further comprising; a center section disposed between the first end and the second end, and wherein the thickness of the first end and of the second end is greater than the thickness of the center section.
 19. The mat of claim 10, wherein the thickness alternates between a thicker portion and a thinner portion at least one time from the first end to the second end.
 20. The mat of claim 10, further comprising: a center section with a thickness disposed between the first end and the second end, and wherein the thickness of the first end and of the second end is equal to the thickness of the center section, and wherein the thickness between the first end and the center section and the thickness between the center section and the second end is less than the thickness of the first end, the second end, and the center section. 